Implement for replacing bridle-tapes in piano-actions.



No. 883,502. PATENTED MAR. 31, 1908. e. W. TILL.

IMPLEMENT FOR REPLACING BRIDLE TAPES IN PIANO ACTIONS.

APPLICATION nub JULY 5. 1907.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE W. TILL, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

IMPLEMENT FOR REPLACING BRIDLE-TAPES IN PIANO-ACTIONS.

Application filed July 5, 1907.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE W. TILL, of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, have invented acertain new and useful Improvement in Implements for Replacing Bridle-Tapes in Piano-Actions, whereof the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

Ordinarily when a bridle tape, which connects the shank of a hammer with a bridle wire in a piano action, is broken, it is necessary to detach from the piano action, the hammer in order to replace the tape; which requires considerable time and labor.

Therefore, it is the object of my invention to provide an implement whereby a bridle tape may be replaced without removing the hammer or any other part of the piano action.

The form of my invention hereinafter described comprises a hollow handle, a tool adjustably fitted in said handle, means for se curing said tool in adjusted relation with said handle, a spring claw on the outer end of said tool arranged to hold a tack, and, ahook on said handle arranged to engage the per forated end of a bridle tape, while its other end is secured to said tack; so that the operator may press said tack into the hammer shank and thus secure said bridle tape thereto. Said tape may then be disengaged from the implement and its free perforated end engaged with its respective bridle wire in the piano action.

My invention comprises the various novel features of construction and arrangement hereinafter more definitely specified.

In the accompanying drawings Figure I, is a transverse vertical view of a piano action, showing an implement conveniently embodying my invention, in position to replace a bridle tape. Fig. II, is a full sized elevation of said implement. Fig. III, is a central vertical sectional view of said. implement, taken on the line III, III, in Fig. II. Fig. IV, is a face view of a bridle tape.

In said drawings; the handle 1, is providedwith the central bore 2, and comprises the ferrule 3, provided with the split bushing 4, in which the tool 5, is adjustably fitted and arranged to be secured by the set screw 6, which is in threaded engagement with said ferrule and is arranged to bind said tool by said bushing. Said tool 5, is curved at its outer free end to form the finger 8, and, is provided with the spring claw 10, secured thereto by the rivets 11. Said spring claw Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented March 31, 1908.

Serial No. 382,267.

10, has its free end bifurcated to embrace the stem of a tack 14, and is arranged to hold the head of said tack against said finger 8.

The ferrule 3, comprises the hook 15, with which the perforation 16, in the end of a bridle tape 17, is engaged, while the other end of said tape is pressed over the point of the tack 14, and its surplus length trimmed off, as best shown in Fig. III. When said tape 17, is thus held by the implement, the tool carrying said tape may be inserted through the aperture 18, in the back stop 19 as shown in Fig. I, and the point of the tack pushed into the hammer shank 20, adjacent to the hammer butt 22, of the hammer 23. Said tack being thus thrust into said hammer shank 20, the tool may be disengaged from the head of said tack, the tape removed from the hook 15, the tool withdrawn from the piano action, and the perforation 16, of said tape engaged with its respective bridle Wire 25, which is carried by the wippens 26.

It is to be noted that the length of the tool 5, projecting from the handle 1, may be adjustably varied in accordance with the length of the bridle tapes which are to be attached; such tapes being of different lengths in differ ent piano actions. Therefore, the arrangement described is not only advantageous in that it may be adjusted to bridle tapes of different lengths but is also advantageous in that when once adjusted to the proper length for a certain piano action, all of the tapes thereby inserted in that action will be of the same properlength. Said tool may be marked so as to be readily set for standard lengths of tapes without actual measurement of the same.

Although I have described the implement aforesaid as if the only means for attaching the end of the tape to the hammer shank is a tack, it is obvious that other means may be employed. For instance, the tape may be both glued and tacked or otherwise attached to the hammer shank by the employment of the implement aforesaid.

I do not desire to limit myself to the precise details of construction and arrangement herein set forth as it is obvious that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the essential features of my invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim '1. An implement of the class described, comprising an adjustable tool arranged to determine the length of a bridle tape, and having means to connect said bridle tape to a piano action hammer, substantially as set forth.

2. In an implement of the class described, the combination with a handle; of a tool adjustably engaged in said handle; a spring claw arranged to hold a tack in operative re lation with said tool; and, a hook carried by said handle, arranged to hold a bridle tape while being engaged with said tack, substantially as set forth.

3. I11 an implement of the class described, the combination with a handle; of a tool adjustably secured to said handle; a bifurcated spring claw arranged to hold a tack in operative relation with said tool; a hook on said handle arranged to hold a bridle tape while being engaged with said tack; and, a set screw arranged to detachably secure said tool in predetermined relation with said h andle, substantially as set forth.

4. In an implement of the class described, the combination with a handle; of a tool arranged for longitudinal adjustment in said handle; a spring claw secured to said tool and comprising a bifurcated end arranged to embrace the stem of a tack and hold the head of said tack against said tool; a hook on said handle, arranged to hold a bridle tape while being engaged wit-h said tack; and, a set screw arranged to variably secure said tool to said handle in position to determine the length of said bridle tape, substantially as set forth.

5. In an implement of the class described, the combination with a handle; of a tool fitted to reciprocate in said handle and having its outer end curved a spring claw arranged to hold a tack local to the curved end of said tool, with the stem of said tack extending radially from said curved end; a hook on said handle arranged to hold the perforated end of said bridle tape while its other end is engaged with said tack; and, means arranged to secure said tool in adjusted position with respect to said handle, substantially as set forth.

6. In an implement of the class described,

the length of said tape, substantially as set forth.

7. An implement of the class described, i

comprising a tool whose outer end extends in oblique relation to the axis of the implement and is provided with a bifurcated spring claw arranged to hold a tack in oblique i relation to the axis of said implement; and means on said implement arranged to hold a bridle tape while being engaged with said tack, substantially as set forth.

8. In an implement of the class described the combination with a spring claw arranged to hold a tack in oblique relation to the axis of the implement; of means on said im )lement independent of said tack arranged to hold a bridle tape while being engaged with said tack; and a finger local to said claw arranged to press said tack into place, substantially as set forth.

9. In an implement of the class described, the combination with a handle; of a tool, adjustably engaged in said handle and forming a finger; a spring claw arranged to hold a tack against said finger; and meanson said handle arranged to hold a bridle tape while being engaged with said tack, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this first day of July 1007.

GEORGE IV. TILL. Witnesses:

WILLIAM S. OBRIEN, ALBERT MYERs. 

